Child Head Injury

Traumatic head injuries and concussions don't always look so serious. A fast fall, strike to the head, fall from an elevated playground surface, on the head will bring screams and cries that get mom or dad rushing, but after a few hugs and kisses make the boo-boo go away, the injured child just picks up and runs outside to play.

Post-Concussion Syndrome or Head Injury

Unfortunately, not every bump on the head can be taken lightly. Concussions in children are fairly common and often not recognized. Without being able to recognize the signs and symptoms, you won't be able to recognize signs of post-concussion syndrome and recurring symptoms that could indicate a more serious neurological problem.

Because a concussion changes the nerves, blood flow and networking abilities of the brain, all signs and symptoms in children may not be visible at once. Look for these warning signs:

• Numbness in certain areas of their body
• Sensitivity to light or a ringing in the ears
• Vomiting
• Sudden fatigue
• Memory problems

Although as an adult we might notice this difference in ourselves, it is likely that children aren't attentive to such seemingly small changes, or simply regard it as a minor annoyance and not worth mentioning. If you know ahead of time that sensitivity to light and dizziness are signs of a concussion, you will be better able to question your child on what they are experiencing.

Tips for Handling

If your child has any signs or symptoms, then seek medical attention right away.  Additionally, your doctor may advise to keep the child out of high-level physical activities (including sports) to let their brain reorganize itself - no matter how much they object. Avoiding a serious brain injury is worth the hassle of an objecting child.

Other symptoms and signs of concussions in children are more readily recognizable. There are many factors that determine the severity and effect of a head injury, so medical attention, while it may be inconvenient or you may think is making a mountain out of a molehill, is critical.

Monitoring the signs of head injury in your child will keep you informed of any changes in your child's neurological processing. If symptoms persist, your doctor will probably recommend follow-up with cognitive and neurological examinations.

The signs and symptoms of concussions in children are not all black and white. Because children communicate differently than adults, parents must be able to ask specific questions regarding the signs and symptoms the child is experiencing after the head injury. Take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of concussions in children, even before your child's first head injury. A smart head can keep an injured head healthy.

Child Head Injury Caused by Negligence

If your child has sustained a head injury through the negligence of others, such as in an auto accident, car crash, playground accident, swimming pool accident, or school mishap, then consider your options.  If the head injury is serious, then you and your child may be eligible for compensation for your harms and losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Advanced therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Future medical care

Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm to assist you in evaluating your child injury claim. As parents, we know how precious your Gift from God is to you, and making sure his or her future is secure is very important to us.